Notorious for requiring the longest hang-time of any wine grape, Cabernet Sauvignon requires heat. Star Lane, where vaulted mountain peaks offer a respite from the fog and a steady heat, ensure that the Cabernets would ripen just as the acidity levels settled. Indeed, in particularly cold years, Star Lane may be the only place in Santa Barbara County where Cabernets can properly develop. Every year, though, you can expect wines with licorice, black cherry, cassis, spice, and vanilla, flavors enhanced by hand processing down to individual grapes and, extended fermentations that draw out the deep tannins. These wines age with grace. - Winery
Offering more black fruits, black currants, licorice and sweet oak, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied, rounded and chewy, with a touch of rusticity (especially when tasted beside the Astral). Still, it’s impressively concentrated, has a good mid-palate and ample charm. Aged 20 months in 35% new French oak, drink it over the coming decade. - Robert Parker 89 Points
A tad earthier than other bottlings from the area, this shows damp herbs, forest-floor notes and soy on the nose, backed up by the stewed black-plum fruit. The tannins are soft but present on the palate, where teriyaki flavors mesh with elderberry, oregano and dark chocolate. This will improve with more bottle age. - Wine Enthusiast Magazine 88 Points
